People who Inject Drugs and Viral Hepatitis

People who inject drugs (PWID) are at risk for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection through the sharing of needles and drug-preparation equipment. In addition, outbreaks of Hepatitis A infection have been reported among PWIDs; such outbreaks are believed to occur through both percutaneous and fecal-oral routes. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that PWIDs get vaccinated against Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. Because of higher rates of infection among this population, CDC also recommends testing anyone who has injected drugs for HBV and HCV infection.